Answer: C

Explanation:

Ever since scientists have revealed the possibility of existence of Helium-3 on the surface of the Moon, the whole world has been engaged in efforts to bring this very clean source of energy to Earth. Helium is a chemical element which is generally found in gaseous state. It is also called inert and noble gas which is colorless, odorless, tasteless and also nontoxic. Helium is used to completely cool the temperature of any substance. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Helium-3 is a non-radioactive isotope of helium. It is emitted by the Sun in the solar wind. Our magnetic fields prevent it from reaching the Earth's surface. Since the Moon has no such shield, its surface is believed to have been absorbing helium-3 for centuries. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

In 2001, the US Senate and media offices received some letters containing white powder. Within a short time, word spread that these envelopes contained the dangerous bacterium Bacillus anthesis. 22 people were affected by these letters and 5 died. This bacteria lives in the soil from where it comes in contact with animals grazing on grass. People are affected by touching them, inhaling them, or if they reach the stomach through any means. Most anthraxes are cutaneous, which spread through contact with the spores of the skin. Its most dangerous form is 'inhalation anthrax', in which the spores enter the lungs through inhalation and then travel to the lymph nodes through immune cells. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Here, the number of spores increases rapidly and it starts releasing toxic substances, As a result, problems like high fever, respiratory problems, fatigue, muscle strain, enlargement of lymph nodes, dizziness, nausea, diarrhea or black ulcer are seen. Another serious problem with such a biological weapon is that it remains in existence for a long time. Bacterial anthracis usually remains fatal for more than 40 years. Currently it is the most dangerous biological weapon and it is estimated that programs for its development are ongoing by various nations. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

The Canada Deuterium Uranium (CANDU) is a Canadian pressurized heavy-water reactor design used to generate electric power. The acronym refers to its deuterium oxide moderator and its use of uranium fuel. It uses enriched Uranium as its fuel while Heavy water serves as coolant and neutron moderator. The heavy water is kept under high pressure, allowing it to be heated to higher temperatures without boiling, like in pressurized water reactor. Hence, option (c) is correct.

Answer: B

Explanation:

The Nuclear Command Authority (NCA) of India is the authority responsible for command, control and operational decisions regarding India’s nuclear weapons programme. Hence, statement 1 is incorrect.

On 4 January 2003, the Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) constituted the Political Council and the Executive Council of the NCA. The Executive Council gives its opinion to the Political Council, which authorises a nuclear attack when deemed necessary. While the Executive Council is chaired by the National Security Advisor (NSA), the Political Council is chaired by the Prime Minister. This mechanism was implemented to ensure that Indian nukes remain firmly in civilian control and that there exists a sophisticated Command and Control (C2) mechanism to prevent their accidental or unauthorised use. Hence, statement 2 is correct.

Answer: C

Explanation:

Energy is the most fundamental requirement of every society or nation as it progresses through the ladder of development. In recent times, the world has been dealing with a power and energy crisis. In this context, Nuclear Energy has a lot to offer. On one side, it may be the cheapest, greenest and safest source of energy currently known to man. On the other, it has also been responsible for some of the worst disasters in the history of mankind. Hence, statement 1 is correct.

Nuclear energy is a form of energy released from the nucleus, the core of atoms, made up of protons and neutrons. This source of energy can be produced in two ways: fission – when nuclei of atoms split into several parts – or fusion – when nuclei fuse together. Hence, statement 2 is correct.